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A rebel and unlikely mentor

Mobos founder Kanya King tells how she overcame tragedy and teenage pregnancy

You have to be pretty special to shine at the Music of Black Origin (Mobo) awards - all that bling makes for some dazzling competition. But Kanya King, founder of the Mobos, always stands out. She has the star quality of the musicians whose careers she has helped advance over the years.

Resplendent in a shimmering azure Christian Audigier dress, the diminutive King last month unveiled this year's nominations at a party in the heart of Mayfair. She had good reason to smile broadly, for the Mobos, like King herself, have come a long way since she launched them in her bedroom 13 years ago.

This has been the most extraordinary year for British urban music. After decades of being outsold and outsung by their American cousins, UK acts now dominate the pop charts.

The rapper Dizzee Rascal has had three number ones in a year, his fellow East Londoner Tinchy